Act Daily News
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Wes Moore, an Army veteran and former nonprofit govt, was sworn in Wednesday as Maryland’s first Black governor.
He’s the third Black particular person to be elected governor in US historical past.
“It’s impossible not to think about our past and our path. We’re blocks away from the Annapolis docks, where so many enslaved people arrived in this country against their will,” Moore stated in his inaugural speech after being launched by Oprah Winfrey, who endorsed him in the course of the election.
“And we are standing in front of a capitol that was built by their hands. We have made uneven and unimaginable progress since then.”
Moore addressed key coverage priorities in his deal with together with baby poverty, the economic system and crime. He stated it’s “unacceptable” that one in eight youngsters reside in poverty within the state regardless of Maryland having a excessive median earnings, in addition to greater than 250,000 folks within the state missing well being protection.
“We must refuse to accept that,” the Democrat stated. “Instead I’m asking you to believe that Maryland can be different.”
Moore additionally targeted on the economic system within the state and stated “we do not have to choose between a competitive economy and an equitable one.”
The new governor stated the state can appeal to and attain prime industries, reminiscent of aerospace, clear vitality and cybersecurity, whereas elevating the minimal wage.
While talking on violent crime and incarceration, Moore stated he “knows what it feels like to have handcuffs on” when he was 11 years outdated, and he is aware of what it feels wish to “stand with families and mourn the victims of violent crime.”
Moore stated Maryland will probably be each a protected state and a only one.
Moore defeated Republican Dan Cox in November by 32 factors within the deep-blue state. He succeeds term-limited Republican Larry Hogan.
In introducing Moore, Winfrey known as him “a man I so trust. I trust you. I trust your vision. I trust your leadership.”